Jetty Island Days start today and run through Sept. 2 at Everett's two-mile long scenic beach surrounded by warm shallow water and dissected by nature trails.The warm sand and water provide the recreation and the nature trails provide the education on topics such as the importance of wildlife preservation and the nearby estuary.Throughout Jetty Island season, several educational walks and tours about the ecosystem are offered. The island is also a great place for bird watching.The only way to get to Jetty Island (unless you have your own boat) is to park at the 10th Street Boat Launch at 10th and W. Marine View Drive and take a ferry across. The Port of Everett charges $3 for parking on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Parking is free Monday through Wednesday. (Editor's note: This article has been corrected since it was first posted to accurately report parking information.)The U. S. Coast Guard has reduced capacity on the ferry to 60 passengers for each sailing, down from 80. To avoid long lines, Everett Parks and the Port of Everett recommend making reservations or arriving early.City of Everett residents may make single or group reservations. Visitors from outside the city limits can make reservations for groups of eight or more. All reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance by calling 425-257-8304. (Editor's note: This article has been corrected since it was first posted to accurately report reservation information.)If you don't make reservations, you can pick up ferry boarding passes at the boat launch kiosk and then select return passes on the island.The Jetty Island Ferry departs seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.There are also private group tours offered by naturalists at 10:45 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. daily. Reserve tours at least one week ahead by calling 425-257-8304.It's always best to plan ahead when going to Jetty Island. There is nothing there but a floating restroom so be sure to bring all that you will need to spend the day with your family, including jackets, sunscreen, drinking water, shoes and changes of clothing. The sand paths are not suitable for strollers.Other rules to remember: Pets, alcohol and glass containers are not allowed; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; campfires are allowed only in designated areas; there are no lifeguards so swim only on the west shore; there's no overnight camping.For more information, call the recorded information line at 425-257-8305 or the city's recreation office at 425-257-8300, ext. 2, or go to www.everettwa.org/parks.

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